Who is a candidate for Semaglutide use? People who--
- Want to lose or maintain weight long-term.
- Are willing to use the medication indefinitely.
- Are willing to give themselves injections.
- Want to lose up to 15% of body weight.
- May have metabolic problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, or fatty liver.
- May have size-related problems like knee arthritis, heartburn, urinary incontinence, hernias, sleep apnea, or self-image issues.
Who is not a candidate for Semaglutide treatment with Dr. Tomlinson? People who--
- Want to lose weight for a short term goal like a wedding or a vacation.
- Have a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, diabetic retinopathy, or gastroparesis, intestine problems, or a family history of thyroid cancer
- Want to get pregnant in the next 2 years
- Have diabetes or heart disease--they would need to see their PCP instead
- Want to use their insurance--they would need to see their PCP instead
What Are the Steps to Get Semaglutide Treatment from Dr. Tomlinson?
- A new patient consultation will include a review of medical history, 1 year of injection supplies, and comprehensive bloodwork. The bloodwork will include thyroid, diabetes, cholesterol, vitamin, and hormone testing. The cost is $500 for the visit, labs, and notification of lab results.
- Dr. Tomlinson will review your history and lab results. If appropriate, she will prescribe 2 months of Semaglutide to College Pharmacy.
- College pharmacy will call you to arrange the Semaglutide shipping and payment for the mediation itself. As of April 2024 their fees are $100 for 2mg vials and $195 for 5mg vials.
- Refills are generally required every 2.5 months. Refill requests will include a review of weight loss, dosing, and side effects. The cost is $125 and can be done via text, zoom, or in-person.
- Every year the comprehensive consultation and labs are repeated.
What is the cost of treatment?
- The annual visit fee is $500, which covers comprehensive labs and injection supplies. Refill check-ins, occurring approximately every 2.5 months, are $125. Medication costs from College Pharmacy will vary, plus shipping.
- There is no monthly subscription fee.
Are additional services included?
- While the primary focus is on your Semaglutide treatment, Dr. Tomlinson offers a comprehensive range of services for health management, including mental health support, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone therapy, thyroid management, and gynecological care. These services are available separately.
Is this covered by insurance?
- The Semaglutide program is not covered by insurance. For those seeking insurance-covered medications, we recommend discussing Semaglutide treatment with your primary care provider. However, other services such as HRT, testosterone, thyroid, mental health, and gynecological care may be covered by your insurance.
What benefits can I expect?
- Benefits include up to 15% weight loss, reduced cravings and appetite, and improvements in metabolic health issues such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. You may also see improvements in conditions related to weight, such as heartburn, sleep apnea, and knee arthritis.
Is the weight loss from Semaglutide long-term?
- Continuing the medication can maintain weight loss. Lifestyle improvements made during treatment can help maintain weight if the treatment is stopped. "Yo-yo"ing of weight should be avoided as it can slow the metabolism, making weight loss in the future more difficult.
Are results guaranteed?
- Each individual's response to treatment will vary. While many experience significant weight loss, results cannot be guaranteed, and no refunds for medications or consultations are provided.
Will Dr. Tomlinson prescribe Semaglutide to everyone?
- Semaglutide is prescribed based on clinical judgment, medical history, and lab results. It may not be medically appropriate for everyone.
Are there any concerns with long-term use?
- Semaglutide has been used since 2008. While expert opinion deems Semaglutide as safe for long-term use, ultimately the long-term effects are unknown. Dr. Tomlinson will keep you updated as to any new results from studies that are ongoing. Your health will be carefully monitored.
What side effects should I be aware of?
- Side effects typically include gastrointestinal discomfort like nausea, vomiting, belching, diarrhea, and constipation but are generally very manageable. Rare, severe complications can occur in less than 1% of patients.
Semaglutide and surgery precautions:
- Discontinue Semaglutide one week prior to any surgery. Inform your surgical team about your use due to its effects on gastric emptying.
How can I minimize side effects?
- Eating smaller, low-fat meals and staying hydrated can help manage side effects. Always follow the prescribed dosages.
Medication interactions and obtaining your medications:
- People taking blood pressure medications may need lower doses as weight is lost. Interactions with diabetes medications are present. Otherwise, interactions are few.
